Guest Post + My Bucket List

Today I'm guest posting for my girlfriend Katie at Strawberry Halls Forever!  Please head on over to find out more about why I'm posing with this massive mammal!

Do you have a bucket list?  I made a "30 before 30" bucket list back in 2011.  When I gave up on my old blog and started Simple Suburbia, I forgot all about my bucket list...until now!  Check out my full 30 before 30 list in my tabs at the top or by clicking this link.  Please don't remind me that I only have 2 years and 2.5 months to complete this list.  Eeek!

Here are some of the things I am crossing off my list...

Cook a thanksgiving dinner. - November 2012 We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this past year and it was my first time cooking it all!  We hosted Thanksgiving once in the past, but my mom brought the turkey.  I'll admit, I did a turkey breast, but that's only because we didn't have enough people to do a full size turkey (plus all of the stuff that goes along with prepping the turkey GROSSES me out)!  

 Learn some sign language.  - Fall 2012
I know it's not much, but I learned baby signs to teach Carson!  So far he only signs for milk consistently, but sometimes he'll do "more" and "all done".  I've learned Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, water, milk, eat, drink, more, all done, library, book, bed, I Love You.... I think that's all!
I know there are some classes for baby sign language, but honestly, there are TONS of resources you can find online!  Check out this cute video I found on YouTube!

Organize my recipes. - October 2012
I finally got all of my recipes typed up and put into a binder.  They are organized into 4 sections: appetizers  sides, main dishes, and desserts.  I considered organizing them by main component but then I got frustrated when a recipe would fit into 2 categories.  I think I might end up adding sub-sections to my main dishes and desserts because right now they're really full!

Find a church to join.  - 2012
We have started going to a new church that we both really enjoy.  I want to go to church and get something out of it.  I used to hate going when I was little because I didn't understand the sermon and the message was never clear to me.  Plus, I felt like we were going because we had to go or we were supposed to do it.  Now I actually enjoy going to church and the message is always totally clear!  As a teacher, I appreciate that our pastor presents the message in various ways (anecdotes, stories, bible readings, videos, songs) because it makes it easy for anyone to understand and it's almost always relatable!  

Can You Help Me? Also, I'm Brilliant.

First thing: I'm going to Florida in about a month!  We'll be gone for a week and I'm looking for some lovely volunteers who would like to do a guest post for me!  I've thought about this and considered sending email requests to specific bloggers, but honestly, I'm scared of rejection!  If I put this out there and get no responses, I can just pretend nobody read it.  Just being honest here!  If you're interested or have any questions, email me at emilyp524 (at) gmail (dot) com. 

I don't discriminate...grandparents are welcome to apply! ;)

Now onto how I'm brilliant: We use our ottomans as toy storage for Carson, but I also like to have something that he can search through while playing.  I don't know why, but I just find something so cute about him digging through his toys to find the perfect one!

I had this 31 large utility tote just sitting in a closet and I figured it was the perfect size for his toys in the loft. But then I realized it was super sad and droopy and would constantly collapse on itself.  That is when my moment of brilliance occurred.  I had this diaper box waiting to be recycled and it's [almost] a perfect fit!  I cut the flaps off the top and put some packaging tape over the edges so they wouldn't be sharp.  Please don't laugh at me.  I promise I've had some wicked paper cuts from cardboard!

Carson had to check it out right away!

"Ta-da!"

(He's eating Cheerios, ha!)

Anyone else have a moment of brilliance lately?  ;)

Makeup I'm Loving

Before you do ANYTHING, check out my guest post over at Julie's fabulous blog for her breastfeeding series!  And while you're there, check out her adorable son, Hudson! 

Today I'm going to share some drugstore make-up that I use practically every day.  I'm one of those people that likes the natural look.  Even when I try to go dramatic, my husband still "can't tell" I'm wearing make-up.  Since I don't do dramatic looks, I don't like spending a lot on my make-up.  These are some of my favorite drugstore finds!

1. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara.  I've been using this stuff for YEARS (obviously not the same tube) and it never gets old.  It gives my lashes volume without clumps and it's easy to wash off!  You can find this for under $6 at Target.

2. Rimmel Volume Max Bold Curves.  Even though I love my L'Oreal, I have to switch it up sometimes and this is my alternative.  It goes on a little thicker and is more of a dramatic look.  Sometimes I layer this over my Voluminous.  This is usually about $7 at CVS and Target.

3. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter.  I'm not a big lipstick person, but this stuff is amazing! It's like chapstick, lipsitck, and lip gloss all mixed into one!  My favorite shades are Peach Parfait and Pink Truffle.  Under $7 at Target!

4. Almay Intense I-Color Eyeliner.  This eyeliner goes on SO smooth and one application lasts me all day.  I like the Black Pearl shade because it has a hint of shimmer.  Under $5 at Target!

5. Nivea Kiss of Moisture Lip Balm.  Lip balm is essential even for no make-up days. If I went through my purses, diaper bag, and house I would probably find about 40 different kinds but this is one of my favs.  It's smooth (not sticky) and I don't have to reapply it very often.  You can find this anywhere, even the grocery store!

6. Milani Baked Blush.  I bought this blush in "Luminous" (also known as "Luminoso") after reading about it on another blog.  It's supposed to be a great dupe for Nars Orgasm.  The Nars blush runs about $28....definitely out of my beauty budget!  I don't wear blush every day, but when I do, I like this light pink with a slight shimmer.  It's great for pale winter skin or tanned summer skin! :)  I found it at Meijer for about $8 and CVS also carries the Milani line.  Saving $20?  Win.

8. Physicians Formula Bronzer.  In the winter, bronzer makes me feel like I have that healthy glow from the (non-existent) sun!  In the summer, this blush highlights my suntan.  It's good all year and a little goes a long way!  The shade I use is called Blushing Mocha.  This usually is about $10-11 but like I said, a little goes a long way!

I don't wear foundation, base, or powder so I don't have any recommendations for those, sorry!

**I was not in any way compensated for reviewing these products, they're just my favs.  If anyone would like to send me free samples, that's fine with me!

I'm linking up with Jamie for WILW!